I’ve been looking through different classified listings lately and noticed that pet ads can vary quite a bit in the amount of information they provide. If someone is considering an English cream golden retriever, what details should they look for before contacting the person who posted the listing?

For example, would you expect the ad to include information about the puppy’s age, vaccinations, health records, parents, and where the puppy is being raised? I also think it would be useful to know what questions people normally ask before agreeing to meet or send a deposit.

For those who have bought or adopted a dog through an online listing, what helped you determine that the seller was legitimate? I’m interested in hearing what signs you would consider reassuring and what would make you avoid a listing altogether.